July – August - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

The Voice of the Greek Community
JUL/AUG 2015 1 CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF COMMUNITY NEWS AND HISTORY
VOL. 75 • NO. 546
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL • 600 EAST BLVD • CHARLOTTE, NC 28203 • 704-334-4771
www.htgo.org
JUL/AUG 2015
Our Vision: With the Grace of God, to provide a loving and caring Community where all belong to Christ,
through worship, sacramental life, everyday spiritual discipline, sanctification, education, witness and fellowship.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Welcomes
Fr. Angelo Artemas
Fr. Theodore Ehmer
Remembering ...
Steve Sam Keretsis
Our Mission
Our Mission is to
become faithful
followers of Christ
and thus active Greek
Orthodox Christians
by accepting and
submitting to the Will
of our Lord so that we
may realize salvation
and enter into the
Kingdom of God.
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE....
Biography of Father Angelo .............................................. 3
Biography of Father Theodore .......................................... 4
Holy Trinity Angels - New Column! .................................. 6
Xenophon Nixon Library ................................................. 10
Duty of Forgiveness - by Father Tommy ........................ 13
Philoptochos News ......................................................... 15
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JUL/AUG 2015
The Voice of the Greek Community
Voice Editorial and Business Staff
A Message From The Editor
Voice Committee Members:
Angelo Pete Politis, Editor; Lucy
Pappadakes, Co-Editor; George Andrews,
Despina Kaltsounis, Effie Dounis,
Stephanie Kaltsounis
Hello again everybody,
At the time of this writing, I would like
to extend a big welcome to Father Angelo
Artemas who came in July and to Father
Theodore Ehmer who came in August.
Be sure to read the detailed biographies
of Father Angelo and Father Theo.
Despite the rain, we had another
successful Greek Festival. I was very
impressed with the Flash Mob Dance.
More about the Festival in the next issue.
In this issue, I’m introducing a new
column called Holy Trinity Angels.
Many people in our history had a big
impact on our community. The first
person I have chosen to feature is Steve
Sam Keretsis, son of Sam and Helen
Keretsis. Steve was very dynamic, sharp
and popular in GOYA. He was very
funny and made us laugh all the time.
He was an excellent basketball player.
Please read the story on Steve. Footnote:
Mr Sam Keretsis passed on in June, 2009.
That’s it for now. Be Safe,
Angelo Pete Politis
Contributing Writers
Fr. Angelo Artemas, Dean of the
Cathedral
Fr. Theodore Ehmer, Associate Priest
Fr. Tommy Vlahos, Priest – Religious
Reflection
John Tsumas - P.C. President’s Message
www.htgo.org
Official printer of The Voice
Mullen Publications Inc.
www.MullenPublications.com
Charlotte, NC • 704-527-5111
Ministry Writers:
Dena Hondros, Stacie Peroulas –
Sunday School
Larry Peroulas – Greek School
Maria Kleto – Preschool
Frances Troupes – Philoptochos
Olga Yamalis – Choir News
– Forever Young
Kathy Xyrafakis – Around Charlotte
Town
John Georgopoulos – Athletic Program,
GOYA-HOPE/JOY
Helen Beleos, Despina Kaltsounis –
Community Profiles
Nick Kallelis -- Stewardship
Chris Pangalos -- Greek History
Andrew Karras – Spiritual
Dr. Taki Hondros – Health
Deacon George Politis – Professional
Services
Eleni Bingham – Daughters of Penelope
N. Markos Kontos – AHEPA
Number of Parish Families – 875
Clergy/Staff:
Rev. Fr. Angelo Artemas, Dean of the
Cathedral; Rev. Fr. Theodore Ehmer,
Associate Priest; Angelo Tatsis, Building
Assistant; John Georgopoulos, Youth
Director/Building Supervisor; Larry
Peroulas, Greek School Director; Maria
Kleto and Cindy Balatsias, Preschool
Directors; Lucy Pappadakes, Choir
Director; Toni Karnazes, First Sevice
Choir Director; Dr. Philip Thevaos,
Baritone Choir Director; Irina
Monzolevskaya, Organist; Deacon
George Politis, Effie Fotopoulos, Sunday
School Directors.
2015 Parish Council:
John Tsumas, President; George Karres,
Vice President; George Andrews,
Treasurer; Jimmy Christodoulias,
Assistant Treasurer; Despina Kaltsounis,
Secretary; Dino Pappas, Assistant
Secretary; Mitch Christenbury, Member;
Elias Elia, Member; Jimmy Georgiou,
Member; Angelo Kefalas, Member;
Spero Koufaliotis, Member; Margaret
Nixon, Member; Gus Pappas, Member;
Pete Pappas, Member; Angelo Spero,
Member.
Cathedral Foundation:
George A. Watson, III, Chairman;
Nick Kantsios, Vice-Chairman; George
Zogzas, Secretary; Spiro Galanis,
Treasurer; Nickolas Ballas, Chris Karres,
Lucy Pappadakes, Members.
H o l y Tr i n i t y G re e k O r t h o d o x
Cathedral bi-monthly publication is
published 6 times per year. Church
Telephone: 704/334-4771; Preschool:
704/333-4961
Check out the latest news and photos on the web
w w w. h t g o . o r g
The Voice of the Greek Community
Remarks From
Father Angelo
by Father Angelo Artemas
Dean of the Cathedral
As the son and grandson of Greek Orthodox priests,
Angelo Artemas was almost destined to follow in their
footsteps. Born on March 21, 1965, he was raised in the
Chicago area by his parents, Fr. John and Niki Artemas,
who currently serve at St. George Church in DeKalb,
Illinois. His maternal grandfather was also a priest
on the island of Crete. Angelo received a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Psychology from Canisius College,
in Buffalo, New York, in 1985. While there, he met
Patricia Guethlein of Cincinnati, Ohio, at a Detroit
Diocese YAL conference. They later served together
as Diocese summer camp counselors. “The best way
to get to know someone is while working with kids and
without makeup or fancy clothes!” he remarked. They
were married in Cincinnati in August 1986. Continuing
his education at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological
Seminary in Crestwood, New York, Angelo received
a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education and a
Master of Divinity in 1988. He completed his course
work in the Doctorate in Ministry Program there in
1996. While attending St. Vladimir’s, Angelo was
ordained to the diaconate in April 1987. The following
July he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop
Timothy of Detroit and was assigned as pastor of Holy
Trinity Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio.
Fr. Angelo served there until October 1991, when
he was named Director of Youth Ministry for the
Archdiocese. He put together a team of youth directors
JUL/AUG 2015 3 assigned to each Diocese. In 1992 he organized the
first Archdiocese Youth Workers Conference, held
at Antiochian Village. By 1994 east and west coast
conferences became annual events. Fr. James Gordon,
who was Chicago Diocese Youth Director during this
time, recalled: “Fr. Angelo really brought our national
team together and was the first to get us hands-on
training in youth ministry. He’s always been up on
pop culture and adds a contemporary twist to his
sermons and youth group discussions. This impressed
me because, as priests and youth directors, we have to
relate to what the kids relate to in order to reach them.
I’ve tried to incorporate these educational experiences
in my own ministry and especially when we started
Ascension Church in Lincolnshire.” Fr. Angelo
convinced Archbishop Iakovos that the focus of the
department should be expanded to encompass family
and parenting issues and it was renamed the Office of
Youth and Family Ministries. In addition to the annual
youth workers training, regional parenting conferences
were also conducted. From 1991 to 1997, while at the
Archdiocese, Fr. Angelo served as chaplain at the St.
Michael Home for Elderly Care in Yonkers, New York,
and at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City,
where he was an HIV/AIDS counselor. During those
years he edited the youth supplement in the Orthodox
Observer, where he continues to serve as a columnist.
He also was a guest lecturer on Adolescent Ministry
and Ministry to the Elderly at St. Vladimir’s. In 1993
he became a certified trainer for the National Institute
of Youth Ministry, a non-denominational institute
headquartered in Irvine, California.
In July 1997 Fr. Angelo was named pastor of the
burgeoning St. George Church in Downey, California.
The congregation was initially a Hellenic club that
wanted to enter the San Francisco Metropolis’ popular
Folk Dance Festival. Metropolitan Anthony told them
they couldn’t participate if they weren’t affiliated with
and Presbytera Patricia moved there with their three
daughters-Katie, Maria, and Eleni. His immediate
focus was on the completion of projects such as the
community center expansion, north parking lot and
elevator installation to improve handicap accessibility.
In 2008 he and the Parish Council launched a three-year
capital campaign. During the 2003 SS. Peter and Paul
Feast Day celebration, Metropolitan Iakovos bestowed
the title of Economos (recognizing good stewardship
of one’s ministry) on Fr. Angelo. He served on the St.
Iakovos Retreat Center’s Board of Directors and on the
Metropolis Youth Ministry team. Fr. Angelo guided
the establishment and continued growth of the church’s
Agape Preschool and the introduction of an expanded
youth athletics program to include younger children. Fr.
Angelo also previously served the well-known Frank
Lloyd Wright-designed church of the Annunciation in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where his father was ordained
a priest in February of 1965.
a church, so they hurriedly found a storefront location
and set up a makeshift altar. The Metropolitan directed
Fr. Angelo to convince the group that they needed to
become a true church community and to help them
formalize their parish. Construction of their church
building began in March 2001 and was completed a
year later.
Fr. Angelo became pastor of SS. Peter and Paul
Church in Glenview, Illinois, on June 1, 2001, and he
All the latest news and photos are now on the web
www.htgo.org Visit today!
4
JUL/AUG 2015
Remarks From
Father Theodore
The Voice of the Greek Community
up Greek Orthodox (her family hails from Ikaria
and Smyrna in Asia Minor) and is a faithful member
of the Church. Her family is very active at Holy
Transfiguration in Marietta and they are wonderful
Christian examples. Stacey was my introduction to
what would become a new and all-encompassing way
that drove my desire to become a chrismated member
of the Orthodox Church. At my Chrismation, I was
given the name “Theodore,” after St. Theodore Tyron,
and I struggle to live up to the mighty name that I have
received.
I have been drawn towards serving in the Church
since I was very young; my mother likes to fondly recall
detailed memories of when I would “play church” in
the basement of our home. After my conversion to
Orthodoxy, this desire to serve Christ and His Church
of life for me. Having grown up in the United Church
of Christ, I slowly drifted away from the church of my
childhood after we moved to Colorado and through the
period of my parents’ divorce, as our church community
began to feel like a place of coldness and judgment.
In my early twenties, I struggled to find a deeper
connection with my faith. After moving to Georgia, I
was blessed to meet Father Anthony Salzman, the priest
at St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church in Watkinsville,
Georgia. Father Anthony was accessible and genuine
with me as a person. We spent many hours discussing
faith and the life in Christ. There was also a very active
was rekindled and I began to learn Byzantine Chant,
study Greek, and serve in the altar. Through prayer,
confession, discussions with my wife, our spiritual
father and other faithful priests, and the blessing of His
Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of our Holy Metropolis
of Atlanta, I began the Master of Divinity program
at Holy Cross in the fall of 2011. During my second
year at Holy Cross, the theme of the school year was
the words that Christ spoke of Himself: that He “came
not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) These
words of the Master are the driving force of my desire to
serve God and neighbor in the Church. I was ordained
by Father Theodore Ehmer
Associate Priest
Hello! My name is Father Theodore Ehmer and I
am the new associate priest here at Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Cathedral. If I haven’t met you yet, I hope
to soon!
I was born in September 1982 in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania to my parents, William and Susan, and
baptized as an infant at Birmingham United Church
of Christ in Pittsburgh. (Given that I grew up in
Pittsburgh, it shouldn’t be surprising that I say: Go
Steelers!) Throughout my youth, I was active in our
church, serving as an altar boy, participating in the choir,
and attending Sunday School. My parents nurtured a
Christian upbringing for my brothers and me through
regular church attendance and they served our church
community through positions in leadership. In fact,
my mother, who was raised Catholic, nearly became
Fr. Theodore and Presvytera Stacey at age 2 or 3
a nun during her teenage years. During my teenage
years, a job transfer for my father moved our family
to Denver, Colorado. After high school, I studied
Meteorology in college in Denver, but I later moved to
Georgia to pursue a relationship with a life-long friend,
Stacey, who would eventually become my wife and
presvytera! I completed my undergraduate degree in
History Education from Kennesaw State University in
Kennesaw, Georgia. My move to Georgia and my love
for Stacey have proven to be life-changing and Stacey
and I were joined in marriage in January 2010. We
were members of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox
Church in Marietta, Georgia, where her family has
worshipped for nearly 25 years.
I feel very fortunate that Presvytera Stacey grew
and welcoming Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
chapter at St. Philothea. I began to feel at home in
the Orthodox Church through the relationships that
were established with Father Anthony and my fellow
college-aged peers at St. Philothea. Though I had
studied Church history and accepted the teachings of
Orthodoxy, it was these relationships of Christian love
to the Holy Diaconate on January 17th (St. Anthony)
of this year and to the Holy Priesthood on March 15th.
Presvytera Stacey and I have godchildren that we love
deeply and someday, if God wills it, we look forward
to children of our own. I enjoy following all Pittsburgh
sports, meteorology (I actually have my own little
weather station on our roof!) and reading. Stacey and I
enjoy spending time with family and friends, spending
time outside together, and road trips. We are very happy
and thankful to be part of the Holy Trinity community.
May the Holy Trinity bless, guide, and protect all of us!
The Voice of the Greek Community
Theofilos Demetrios Fotopoulos
CHARLOTTE - Theofilos Demetrios
Fotopoulos, 76, of Charlotte, passed
away peacefully in his home, on Sunday,
August 16, 2015. Theofilos was born
on October 2, 1938, the youngest of
five children, to the late Demetrios and
Despina Fotopoulos in Tourkoleka,
Arkadias, Greece. Theofilos graduated
from the Naval Academy of Athens and
rose to the rank of first lieutenant before
retiring from the navy. He immigrated
to the United States in 1967 and was
sponsored and warmly welcomed by
his late brother Konstandinos. Theofilos
was a long standing member of Holy
Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and
he served as a parish council member.
He lived according to the teachings
of the Orthodox Church imparting
Christian values to his children through
his example. He taught unconditional
love, importance of gratitude, the value
of hard work, the power of humility,
compassion and philanthropy. He was
proud of his American citizenship and
grateful for the opportunities he found in
this country. With faith as his compass, he
found the courage to achieve his dream
to establish and successfully operate his
own businesses. In 1977, he partnered
with George Couchell and opened the Mr.
C’s restaurant in downtown Charlotte,
which he operated until 1991. In 1982,
he opened the Lake Wylie Fish Camp
Restaurant in Rock Hill, SC which he
operated until his retirement in 2000.
He enjoyed taking care of his customers
and greeting each of them by first name
with his genuine smile. His dealings with
others were always characterized by his
integrity and kindness. Theofilos was
most proud of his family and the life he
built with his loving wife of 45 years,
Andromahe (nee Fragakis). Theofilos is
survived by his wife, children Despina
(Tina) Apostolopoulos and husband
Dimitrios, Efrosini (Effie) Fotopoulos
and his most precious in his heart
grandchildren Stavroula (Stacy) and
Theoharis (Henry) Apostolopoulos who
were blessed to have the most wonderful
and loving grandfather “Pappou”.
Survivors also include his brother Pete
and wife Mary, sister Georgia Athens,
brother-in-law John Fragakis and wife
Ismini and many nieces and nephews
and godchildren, Sammy Panou and
Sandy Vlahos. Theofilos was preceded
in death by his parents, parents-in-law,
brothers Mihalis and Konstandinos and
brother-in-law John Athens. The family
would like to thank Dr. Peter Copsis
and Dr. Steven Putman for the excellent
care and support they provided over the
years. A Trisagion, visitation, was held
on Thursday, August 20, 2015, at 7:00pm
at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte,
NC 28203 and the funeral service was
held on Friday, August 21, 2015, at
11:00am also at Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Cathedral. Pallbearers were
Demetrios Fotopoulos, Konstandinos
Fotopoulos, John Fragakis, Jimmy
Fragakis, Theodore Georgakopoulos and
Kostas Kostopanagiotis and honorary
pallbearer George Retsios. Theofilos
was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to the Panagia Proussiotisa
“Elatos” or to the Renovation Fund
of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Cathedral. Arrangements are in the care
of Hankins and Whittington, 1111 East
Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Please
share online condolences at www.
hankinsandwhittington.com.
Georgia Sapoutzis Georgoulakos
CHARLOTTE - Mrs. Georgia
Gerogoulakos, 71, of Charlotte, NC,
passed away Tuesday evening, the 28th
of July 2015, at her home surrounded by
her family. Georgia was born in Athens,
JUL/AUG 2015 5 Greece, on the 6th of September 1943,
a daughter of the late Angelo Sapoutzis
and Erasmia Kafali Sapoutzis. She came
to the United States on the 1st of January
1972. She was a devoted member of Holy
Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral where
she served as a school teacher and was
a volunteer at the Greek Festival where
she oversaw the pastry section for many
years. She never forgot her roots and went
for many trips to her homeland Greece to
see her family. The Trisagion service was
held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, the 30th of
July 2015 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte,
NC 28203. The Funeral Service was
held 11:00 AM, Friday, the 30th of July
2015 at the Cathedral. Burial followed
in Evergreen Cemetery. She is survived
by her beloved husband of 45 years,
John Georgoulakos; her son, Michael
Georgoulakos and his wife, Maria;
her two sisters in Greece: Ekaterina
Lianopoulou and Demtra Dionysiou;
three brothers: Yianni, Christos and
Evangelos Sapoutzis and many nieces
and nephews. The family would like to
extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. James
Boyd and staff of Oncology Specialist of
Charlotte. Memorials may be made to
Panagia Prousiotissa Greek Orthodox
Monastery, 404 Warner Rd., Troy, NC
27371 or to a research for Cancer. Notes
of encouragement and condolences
may be made to the family by visiting
www.ellingtonfuneralservices.com.
Serving the Georgoulakos family is
Ellington Funeral Services, “The Historic
Morehead St. Chapel”, 727 E. Morehead
St., Charlotte, NC 28202. (704)334.6700
Family owned since 1944.
Frances Pistolis CHARLOTTE Frances Pistolis, age 81, of Charlotte,
NC passed away on July 25, 2015. She
is survived by her two sons George
J. Pistolis (Dena) and Gus J. Pistolis
(Christie). Frances is also survived by her
six grandchildren and her three sisters,
Nia (George) Patronis, Litsa (Tom)
Tsoukas and Voula (John) Kontopanos
and her brother Sam (Carolyn) Daise. She
was preceded in death by her husband of
40 years, Jim Pistolis. Funeral services
for Frances were held on Tuesday, July
28, 2015, at 11:00AM at Holy Trinity
Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East
Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, with her
Trisagion from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
at the church. Interment followed
immediately, at Evergreen Cemetery.
Contributions honoring her memory
may be made to Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Cathedral - Renovation Fund.
Arrangements are in care of Hankins and
Whittington Funeral Service, Charlotte,
NC. Please share online condolences at
www.hankinsandwhittington.com.
LONG’S MONUMENT COMPANY, INC.
“A Subsidiary of Gaulden Monuments, Inc.”
LongsMonument.com
3016 N. Graham Street
Charlotte, NC
704-376-5740
HONORING YOUR LOVED ONES
MONUMENTS, MARKERS, & MAUSOLEUMS
6
JUL/AUG 2015
The Voice of the Greek Community
Holy Trinity Angels
Dear Parishioners of Holy Trinity, I am
excited and honored to introduce a new
series of commemorative articles which
I have always wanted to include in The
Voice since 2004 when I became editor.
These articles will honor the memories
of parishioners who are no longer with
us, but continue to live in our hearts and
our thoughts because of the influence and
legacies they may have left behind. I feel
this is necessary, especially in today’s
society when life can be so unpredictable
and complex. Many times I reflect and
look back to those who inspired me and
left me with words of wisdom, by which
I will always remember them.
I would like to begin this series of
articles by honoring a very special and
truly inspiring individual who left us too
soon. His name is Steve Sam Keretsis.
How do I begin to explain who this
individual was and how he affected my
life? Steve and my older brother, Louie,
were best friends so Steve spent a lot of
time at our house. I was 13 years old
and self-conscious about my appearance.
Steve was 16 and very physically fit. He
took the time to encourage me to work
out and be positive about myself. His
smile was magnetic and his lighthearted
nature always changed my mood and
made me smile. He was very popular
and good at sports and just a good young
man. He was my hero!
I will always remember him and honor
his memory.
“May his Memory be Eternal”
Included are memories of Steve by
family members and other parishioners
who were also touched by his dynamic
personality and wonderful heart. I would
like to thank these individuals for sharing
their memories along with mine.
Mrs. Roula Economos, Pete Kleto,
Louie Politis, Anna & Joanna Pitsikoulis
and Nick Nixon
If you have a loved one you would
like to honor, please submit your article
to Angelo Pete Politis: olympus10@
yahoo.com
704-814-8899
Steve Sam Keretsis was born May 24,
1954, in Fayetteville, NC.
He passed away on June 13, 1970, at
the age of 16.
Steve moved to Charlotte with his
parents when he was one year old.
He went to Pinewood Elementary,
Smith Junior High School, and South
Mecklenburg High School.
He went to Greek School as well as
Sunday School at the church. He also
was a member of GOYA.
He played basketball for the church.
Basketball was his favorite sport.
When Steve passed away, the memorial
donations went towards the purchase of
basketball goals for the church hall....
very fitting considering how much he
loved to play.
I was three weeks shy of my 13th
birthday when my brother passed away.
I always knew he was special, even at
such a young age. He was so outgoing
and had many friends. But as years went
by, I would run into people who knew
him and they would tell me stories about
Steve and tell me how much he meant
to them. This happened on quite a few
occasions, even after it had been over 40
years since he passed away. I realized
then that in his short life, he touched so
many people.
Roula Economos
Get up
to date
news and events at:
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Our individual experiences being a
friend to Steve shared many similarities
while also having unique characteristics.
He and I were obsessed with sports,
particularly basketball. I recall us
shooting hoops in my backyard and our
excitement when we could finally touch
the rim. It was by far a more significant
accomplishment on his part as he was
challenged with the Greek gene – i.e.
shorter. But he was a gifted athlete
and his friend, Walter Davis (future
Carolina standout and NBA rookie of
the year), wanted Steve to play on the
South Mecklenburg High School team
with him.
Steve both challenged and encouraged
me in sports and life with his intensity,
humor and support. May those qualities
exist in our lives today and may his
memory be eternal.
Pete Kleto
By Louie Politis
After Steve died in 1970, I realized the
real world of tragedy. I grew up in the
1950s and 60s going to Greek School,
Sunday School and American School.
We would always hang out at his house
playing basketball on weekends. Steve
was a sharp-looking guy with a temper.
There were two things he hated - to
lose in basketball and to pass me the
basketball because he was never going
to get it back. Steve was missed by
many when he passed, especially by me,
because we wondered if we could have
won a Goya Basketball Championship
together.
www.htgo.org
Memories of Steve Keretsis
by Anna and Joanna Pitsikoulis
Steve Keretsis will always remain
young, vibrant, handsome and electric
in our minds and hearts. He was taken
away from us so suddenly, he will always
be the best part of our youth. Facing
death when our lives were just beginning,
Steve will be forever young for the class
of 1972.
My first memory of Steve was actually
in the 3 rd grade of afternoon Greek
school. His Greek was impeccable (at
least to me). It was around Christmas
time and, with a nip of frost in the air and
the excitement of the season, our teacher
(no, it was NOT Fr. John Paul) called
upon me to read out loud. Anyone who
knows me. . . well, actually, . . anyone
who hears me speak Greek then or now
knows that I was not and am not a Greek
scholar. Socrates just shakes his head
disbelieving that one Hellene could be
so ignorant of his beautiful language!
The Christmas story we were reading
was about the Three Wise Men. When
it was my turn to read, instead of saying
TreiV Magoi (Three Magi), I said TreiV
Muia (Three Flies). For the rest of the
story, it was the Three Flies. I thought
Steve would fall off his chair laughing
so hard. Of course I had no clue that
my pronunciation was incorrect. When
the whole class was laughing, my twin
sister Joanna, eventually leaned over and
corrected me. Why she couldn’t have told
me earlier, I have no idea! Today, I laugh
harder than anyone when I recall this
special memory. Of course back then in
class, I cried and died of embarrassment.
I vowed from that day forward, I would
avoid all Greek conversations dealing
with Wise Men or flies.
Continued on page 7
The Voice of the Greek Community
JUL/AUG 2015 7 Holy Trinity Angels - Continued
Continued from page 6
As Joanna will tell you, one of my
favorite TV programs of all time is
“Hogan’s Heroes”. I have Steve to
thank for my passion. Early in 1965 or
1966, he boasted he was able to convince
his sister, Roula, NOT to watch that
drippy, girly, NBC TV fantasy sitcom
“I Dream of Jeannie” starring Barbara
Eden as a 2000-year-old genie. Instead,
he convinced Roula to watch “Hogan’s
Heroes” with him, a CBS TV comedy
about a German prisoner of war camp
and their Special Operations’ antics
starring Bob Crane. After overhearing
Steve bragging, I decided I would have to
tune in to see what was so special about
“Hogan’s Heroes”. I have been a fan
of the series ever more. Since this was
before the time of beta, VHS, CD, BlueRay, DVD and DVR, the best scenario in
viewing two TV shows airing at the same
time was to sit by the TV (mind you it was
before the time of remotes) and literally
change the dial during the commercials
from one show to the other.
The last memory I cherish of Steve
is one that stays with me whenever I’m
driving. Joanna and I were born exactly
one month before Steve. Our birthday
was April 24, 1954. Steve’s birthday
was May 24, 1954. Now, we would
be considered cougars (as Nick Nixon
always points out, since he was the baby
of the class of 1972 being born October
18th). Back then, it just meant that Joanna
and I were one of the first to receive
our driver’s licenses. On that fateful
summer morning on June 13, 1970, I
vividly recall Steve doing wheelies in the
small parking lot of the church with his
Mom beside him, the windows down and
both laughing with glee. Mrs. Keretsis
shouted out the window that Steve had
passed his driver’s test and had received
his license. My last memory of Steve is
his gregarious laughter with his Mom,
both laughing while taking spins around
the parking lot.
For the class of 1972, our lives were
forever changed that day. We faced death
and for many of us, it was the recognition
that we were no longer immortal. As
many of us remember laying a wreath
at Steve’s grave the year we graduated
high school in 1972, we knew that Steve
would always be a part of us. The best
part of us. In light of such tragedy, God
gave us the greatest Steve ever. He is
always young, vibrant and alive! May
Steve’s memory be eternal!
Steve Keretsis was a good friend of
mine and an honored member of the
Class of 1972. He was liked and loved
by all girls, boys, women and men that
had the pleasure to meet and know him.
He was very popular, outgoing and a
very confident leader as we grew through
our Junior High, High School and
GOYA years. He was a stocky naturalborn athlete who excelled in all sports,
especially basketball, and was the point
guard on our GOYA teams. Whatever
sport he played, he excelled to his fullest
potential at all times.
He was, in my opinion, a man’s man,
a “Casanova”, and displayed a bravado
about him that girls and women loved
and many guys wished they could imitate
and be like him. He was respectful and
carried himself as a mature young man
just loving life. I remember he seemed
to be ahead of his years in many ways.
He already looked like a man when in
the ninth grade and was the first in our
class to be able to shave and have a full
beard in a matter of a day or so, when
most of the boys our age could hardly
grow sideburns or mustaches. During
the age of long hair, he kept his neat and
was always physically fit.
Steve had his faults like we all do, but
usually you knew exactly how he felt
about issues, would speak up when he
had an opinion, was passionate about
them and tried to do the right thing at
all times. He had a profound effect on
our Sunday School class (Class of ‘72).
One only wonders how much he affected
our lives in a positive manner moving
forward. Every time I think of him,
I smile and know he is looking down
on all of us, wishing us successful and
happy lives. I choose to have good and
positive thoughts when I hear his name
and feel he is also smiling on all our
accomplishments, and on how he affected
our lives at a very early age.
We miss and love you, Steve.
Nick X. Nixon
www.htgo.org
Fellowship:
Recognizing that the Church
is a unified body of Christ, we
value our Community being
renewed and transformed,
producing the fruits of the
Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control.
Photograph that Sunday School teacher,
Presvytera Eva Miller Paul, took of the
10th grade Sunday School class on the
last day of Sunday School, Sunday, June
7, 1970. This is the last known picture
of Steve with most of the Holy Trinity
Greek Orthodox Cathedral class of 1972.
Pictured left to right, Phillip “Jack
Rabbit” Triantis (+June 28, 1993), Steve
Keretsis (+June 13, 1970), Joanna Pitsikoulis, Anna Pitsikoulis, Pete Kleto, Louis
Politis, Nick Nixon and John Joyner. Not
pictured: Chris “Taki” Stathopoulos.
www.htgo.
org
Visit today!
Vacation
Bible
School
Xenophon Library Dedication
10 JUL/AUG 2015
The Voice of the Greek Community
Xenophon F. Nixon Library By Gloria Kontoulas
Honoring Mr. Xenophon Nixon
On Sunday March 22nd, 2015, the
newly-renovated library at Holy Trinity
Cathedral was dedicated in honor of Mr.
Xenophon Nixon.
We gratefully acknowledge Mr. Nixon
for his many years of service to Holy
Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Mr.
Nixon volunteered for the Holy Trinity
Voice publication for 30 years. His
foresight and vision of maintaining
church statistics created an archives
collection, which consist of old pictures,
newspaper articles, mementos and other
memorabilia. Mr. Nixon was committed
to introducing the process of archiving
and ensuring the preservation of history.
The library has become a permanent
center for the archives and showcases
the evolution of our Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Community. We honor Mr.
Nixon for his outstanding contribution
and dedicate the archival library in his
memory.
A Labor of Love
The Holy Trinity Library Renovation
Committee created a repository for the
Xenophon Nixon archive collection,
while beautifying and updating the library
at the same time. Angelo Pete Politis,
chairman of the Archives Committee,
found the collection of old photos and
memorabilia in old filing cabinets. Mr.
Politis recognized the importance of
this precious collection of history and
memories and quickly began organizing
to present them to the Greek community
of Charlotte.
The archive collection consists of
many different items:
Copies of Holy Trinity parish
directories
A copy of Voice issues since 1947.
Photographs and newspaper articles
featuring landmark events, such as the
Holy Trinity groundbreaking ceremony
and the history of the Jones Mansion
Festival memorabilia
History of the Greek Community and
Holy Trinity
Charlotte Observer Newspaper articles
spanning over five decades of Holy
Trinity events
Father C’s legacy to Holy Trinity
Photos of the pioneering parishioners
of Holy Trinity
Sunday School and Greek School
history
History and old pictures of the Holy
Trinity Choir, Philoptochos, Ahepa, Goya
and other ministries of Holy Trinity
The archives are stored and protected
in fireproof filing cabinets, which are
incased in custom built cabinets, designed
and installed by Polites Cabinetry. The
gallery of old photographs honor our
pioneering parishioners and the focal
point of the library consists of a wall
niche created to display a collage of
pictures and historical facts describing
the evolution of Holy Trinity. A computer
and work/study desk was also installed
for educational purposes. The wet
bar serving niche was updated with
refurbished cabinetry, new plumbing, a
tiled backsplash and serving accessories.
Committee members Gloria Kontoulas,
Maria Kleto, and Christine Copsis led
the renovation and the interior design
details of the library. The entire project
took approximately eight months and was
completed in three phases.
Phase 1 – Reorganization of the
Archives
Phase 2 – Library Renovations
Phase 3 – Merging phases one and two
together, and honoring Xenophon Nixon
The Xenophon Nixon endowment
Fund provided 100% to the project, for
all archival related items. The Parish
Council provided the funding for all the
non-archival items of the Project.
The presentation, which took place
on Sunday March 22nd, was a great
success. The family members of Mr.
Nixon were present to speak on behalf
of their father’s contribution and each
member participated in the ribbon cutting
ceremony. Members of the Nixon family
and the Library Renovation Committee
sincerely thank the Philoptochos for
organizing the coffee service. Pastries,
platters of fruit, cakes, juices and
beautiful floral arrangements created
the perfect setting for this special event.
The Future
Some of our future goals consist of:
Organizing enough volunteers to help
monitor the library on Sunday mornings
after each service, while parishioners
peruse the archives.
Archive Chairman Angelo Politis
is presently working on a collection
of DVDs from old recordings of the
historical events dating back to the 1950s
to present day events.
Making the transition of hardcopy
archival materials to computer copy.
Archive Committee Chairman Angelo
Politis and co-chair Gloria Kontoulas
are dedicated to continue promoting the
process of archiving and preserving the
history of Holy Trinity. The Archives
Committee along with The Voice
publication will serve as a beacon of
communication and will continue to
maintain the legacy of this great parish of
Holy Trinity Cathedral in Charlotte, NC.
Christian Maturity:
In Ephesians chapter four, Saint
Paul says we are to be a “measure
of the stature of Christ; that we
should no longer be chidren, but,
speaking the truth in love, may grow
up in all things into Him who is the
head: Christ.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral Archives
Committee wishes to express their sincere
Gratitude to the family members of
Church Benefactor Xenophon F Nixon.
Their commitment in sharing the
Xenophon Nixon Endowment fund
allowed us to create and produce a
permanent repository for the archive
collection in the newly renovated library
of The Holy Trinity Community Center.
May their Father’s Memory be Eternal
Holy Trinity Cathedral Archival
Library Renovation Committee
Steering Committee: Gloria
Kontoulas, Maria Kleto, Christine
Copsis, Archive Committee Chairman
Angelo Pete Politis
Volunteers: Haido Copsis, Ellie
Harakas, Bett Kofinas, Elaine Michaels,
Helen Beleos, Loula Kontoulas, Jerrie
Holevas, Kiki Karras, Cindy Balatsias,
Kiki Ballas, Francis Troupes, Vickie
Exarhos, Effie Rodrigues, Theofani C
Nixon, Olga Kleto, Helen Clonaris,
Joanna Pitsikoulis, Anna Pitsikoulis,
Toni Karnazes
Our Volunteers contributed many
hours toward the organization of several
tasks, which involved recording the
inventory of books, organizing archival
information, creating a filing system,
creating visuals and much more. We
thank them for their time and efforts.
Acknowledgements
The Holy Trinity Archives Committee
and the Library Renovation Committee
would like to kindly thank the following….
Reverend Fr. Michael Varvarelis, who
was the Dean of the Cathedral, during
this time. We thank him for his support,
guidance and blessings throughout the
renovation process of the Library. His
reverent leadership was the cornerstone
of our progress.
The Holy Trinity Archives Committee
and the Library Renovation Committee
would like to welcome
Reverend Fr. Angelo Artemas, Dean of
the Cathedral and
Reverend Fr. Theodore Ehmer ,Priest.
We thank them for acknowledging
our efforts and offering to support our
future goals.
Thank you John Tsumas, President
of the Parish Council of Holy Trinity
Cathedral, Dino Pappas, Chairman of
the IRRC committee, and all the members
of the Parish Council. Their constant
support, cooperation and patience
allowed us the opportunity to focus and
complete the renovation of the library
proudly and successfully.
Thank you to the following parishioners
and local tradesmen for their contribution
of services and talents to the Library
Renovation Project.
Jimmy Politis - Politis Construction
Group and Cabinet Shop
Dina & Nick Stathopoulos – Fancy
That
Maria Lolos – AL Lolos Carpet
Installations
Saul Faircloth – On Site Wood Repair
Faye Porter – Carolina Blind Crafters
The Holy Trinity staff for their patience
and diligence. Thank you for all your
help, we enjoyed working with every
one of you.
John Georgopoulos
Frances Zogzas
Kathy Xyrafakis
Angelo Tatsis
Kenny and Ollie
We wish to thank Mr. Larry Peroulas,
Principal of the Greek Language
Program, for his assistance with the
inventory of Greek literature, his
contribution of Greek artifacts and his
incredible patience. Most of the volunteer
work and construction of the library took
place during the hours of Greek School.
Mr. Peroulas, we appreciate you!
Many Thanks to Helen Beleos who
contributed her editorials of Community
Profiles. Mrs. Beleos was the Editor of
the Voice for approx. twenty years.
Many thanks to Mrs. Elaine Michaels
and Mrs. Bett Kofinas for their
contributions of Archival information.
Mrs. Michaels served as our Sunday
School Superintendent for many years
and Mrs. Kofinas has been a long time
active member of Philoptochos and has
served as president of our local chapter,
“Agia Elpis”.
The Archives Committee wishes to
recognize Loula Kontoulas for her
leadership role with The Heritage
Preservation committee, which has
been established to preserve and display
items, artifacts and documents from our
Orthodox faith, Holy Trinity’s history and
the Greek community in Charlotte. Loula
also created the beautiful Iconography
displays located in the Holy Trinity
Community Center.
Freestanding 150+ Seat Restaurant in
Belmont NC next to Belmont Abby College,
next to New Shopping Center
with Green Grocery, Ample Parking,
25’ Modern Hood, 3 Walk-in Boxes,
prep area etc.
WORLDSPAN
704-451-7099
The Voice of the Greek Community
JUL/AUG 2015 11 Daughters of Penelope
Around CharlotteTown By Kathy Xyrafakis
Floriana Boardman, Paul Lowder and
Danielle Stavropoulos attended Ionian
Village this past summer in Greece.
Floriana shares with us her unforgettable
experience!
Floriana Boardman
Ionian Village 2015
Disconnect. Experience. Rejuvenate.
These are some of the first words
that Father Evagoras Constantinides,
the director of Ionian Village, told us
200 campers, as we gathered on the
whitewashed steps of the amphitheater
overlooking the Ionian Sea. This was our
goal for the
twenty days
we had
in Greece
together.
For those
who do not
know about
I o n i a n
Village, it is
a program
in Greece
for Orthodox teenagers across the United
States and Canada. Participants go and
travel around Greece, venerate the relics
of Saints, and visit sights of Greek history
and culture, all while experiencing a
great sense of love for Christ in everyone
near and far.
Ionian Village is a disconnection from
our everyday world. At Ionian Village,
campers and staff have no electronics or
cell phones. This may seem extreme, but
at the end of the day, it’s worth it! Due
to the loss of technology, I was able to
disconnect from the outside world and
fully connect, not only to our Hellenic
roots but, most importantly, our Greek
Orthodox faith.
Ionian Village is an experience.
Campers and staff travel around Greece
to many monasteries and cultural sights.
We went to Patras, Olympia, Zakynthos,
Kalavrita, Kefalonia, Arachova,
Bartholomio, and Athens while having
normal camp days at Ionian Village.
A normal camp day starts early with
morning prayer, breakfast, fun activities
such as athletics, music and Greek
culture, arts and crafts, and Orthodox life.
Our free swim was in the Ionian Sea or in
the brand new Olympic-sized swimming
pool – talk about awesome! Camp food
is not what you think it would be – it is
actually incredible! Kyria Sophia cooks
like your Yia-yia or almost as good as my
Papou (shout out to Costa Katsoudas).
I never thought I would need a siesta
but with all the activities and heat – I
was actually looking forward to it. The
evening activities were amazing – We
had a white out, a neon party, and a
Greek mythology party, just to name a
few. Ionian Village is Club Med for
Orthodox teens!
Ionian Village is Rejuvenation. While
traveling around Greece, campers see the
amazing things that only our Orthodox
faith has to offer. I was able to venerate
the skull of St. Andrew and smell its
sweetness as well as hear the tapping of
St. Nektarios’ cane in his empty tomb! I
was also able to venerate the uncorrupted
bodies of St. Dionysios, St. Gerasimos,
St. Ephrem of Nea Makri, and Hosios
Loukas. At one monastery, Παναγια
Ελεουσα, we venerated a piece of the
Virgin Mary’s belt and were anointed
with holy myrrh from Christ’s tomb.
Ionian Village is a Connection. Not
only did I grow in my faith, I gained
friends for a lifetime. There is something
extremely special about friends who have
the same faith as you. I made friends
with young people from every single
Greek Orthodox Metropolis in the United
States. No matter where I go, I know I
have someone I know and trust. I went to
Ionian Village knowing only three people
there and came home having two hundred
more friends - friends with whom I see
Christ in their midst.
Father Evagoras was right with his
opening remarks. We disconnected from
the material world, experienced Greece
and the true Faith, and rejuvenated in
the Love of Christ. Believe the Hype!
Ionian Village is an experience of a
lifetime.
**************************
FOURTOUNA, our HDF Advanced
Junior Dance Group, had the pleasure
of surprising Ms. Mary Makres on
Saturday, July 18th for her 93rd Birthday
at Huntersville Retirement Home. The
girls’ performance brought such a joy to
Ms. Makres. She was elated and honored
that this special dance performance
was just for her. The true meaning of
giving back was also emulated by the
performers who, in turn, were humbled
by this experience. WAY TO GO
FOURTOUNA!
www.htgo.org
Your Neighborhood Jeweler!
We offer a large selection of quality jewelry at affordable prices
as well as watches that include Citizen, Seiko, Bulova, Swiss Army,
Skagen and more. We have full service jewelry and watch repair to
ΜΙΛΑΜΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ
care for your treasures!
Brownlee Jewelers is a Charlotte tradition specializing in excellent
customer service for over 70 years!
Michelle Pavl akos
For more information on what
is offered at Brownlee as well as
additional store locations:
Μιλάμε Ελληνικά
store manager and graduate gemologist
Park Road Shopping Center
4147 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209
704-527-1717
www.brownleejewelers.com
Hours: M-F 10-7, Sat. 10-6
Activities are underway to plan the
organization’s 20th annual Queen of
Hearts High Tea and Fashion Show,
which will be held at Carmel Country
Club on Saturday, February 20, 2016.
Fashions will be provided by TALBOTS
of Charlotte.
Many tables have already been sold for
next year’s event. For those interested
in purchasing a table of ten (10) @
$400 please contact Dianne Leventis at
[email protected].
Following are the dates for future
Daughters events.
Wednesday, December 2: Christmas
Tea at Ballantyne Resort at 3 pm
Tuesday, January 19: Preparations for
the High Tea, Holy Trinity Cathedral,
6:30. Pizza will be served.
Tuesday, February 9: Final preparations
for the High Tea Program. Holy Trinity
Social hall. Coffee and donuts will be
available.
Tuesday, March 15: Presentation of
check to the Levine Cancer Institute. At
the Institute at 3 pm.
Tuesday, April 19: TBD
Tuesday, May 17: TBD
The Daughters has re-printed its
Holiday Classics Greek Desserts
Cookbook and has it available at any of its
upcoming meetings or by contacting Pat
Economides at [email protected].
Price is $5.00. These make wonderful
hostess or birthday gifts or stocking
stuffers.
Eleni Livas Bingham
www.dopvenus.org
Μιλάμε Ελληνικά
12 JUL/AUG 2015
The Voice of the Greek Community
All the latest news and photos are now on the web www.htgo.org
Visit today!
Stewardship Committee Updates
STEWARDSHIP COMPARISON
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
is one of the larger communities of
Greek Orthodox members yet we are at
the bottom of the list when it comes to
personal financial support of our church.
Since only a small percentage of our
parishioners are financial stewards of our
Holy Trinity community, we fail to fully
support our beloved church. We rely on
a small faction of our church community
to provide this needed support. Currently,
only 54% of our parishioners are
financially contributing. There are 46%
not financially participating.
According to a survey of Greek
Orthodox churches, the following
statistics were reported:
Converts to Orthodoxy give almost
twice as much annually to their churches
as do “cradle” Orthodox when measured
in actual dollar amounts ($2,800 versus
$1,500 per average household) and they
give more than twice as much when
donations are measured as a percentage
of a household’s income (4.9% versus
2.2%).
Currently, at HTGO we average
$546 per family and have only 54%
of our families making a stewardship
contribution. In order to be selfsupporting, we need an annual average
of $1200/family. Demographics of our
area indicate $1200 per year per family
would be 3.15% of household income.
Our 2016 Stewardship program will
be underway beginning November 1st.
We encourage everyone to sign up for at
least one ministry by sharing your talent.
Sunday School is always in short supply
of teachers. The festival committee
always has to plead for assistance, though
it is a major source of funding for our
operations. Along with your talents,
please make a commitment to devote
time to assisting and attending church
activities.
Our goal as a community is to become
free of our dependency on festival funds.
A rain-out of the festival would create a
financial crisis since it is a major source
of operating income. We need to be
self-supporting and not be financed by
our festival attendees. Our festival funds
should go to helping and serving the
Charlotte community.
A festival-free budget would allow
us to build reserve capital for building
restoration, a scholarship program, and
emergency and unexpected expenses.
A “member in good standing”
participates by fulfilling his obligations to
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The Stewardship Committee
REMARKABLE
FAMILY CARE
is just around the corner.
Crown Point Family Physicians is a name you can trust
when it comes to your family’s health. We combine
leading-edge technology with personalized service to deliver
remarkable care. Our board-certified physicians can care
for every member of your family – from newborns to seniors.
Your entire family can count on us for:
Newborn, infant and pediatric care
Adolescent, adult and geriatric care
Routine gynecological care and post-menopausal care
Same-day sick appointments • Treatment of minor injuries
School, sports and employment physicals
On-site laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound and bone density testing
Cardiovascular testing – echo and stress testing
Make an appointment today
by calling 704-384-1260.
9101 Monroe Road, Suite 155 • Charlotte, NC 28270
www.CrownPointFamilyPhysicians.com
Jeffrey
Hutchings,
MD
Jaime
Wise, MD
Dimitrios
Hondros,
MD
M. Mark
Hester, MD
Marshall
McMillan, MD
John
Crawford, MD
Kate
Lowe,
MSN, RN,
FNP
The Voice of the Greek Community
DUTY OF FORGIVENESS
Fr. Tommy D. Vlahos
• Free Delivery
• 15% off Every 3rd of the Month
on all non-Prescription Items
• Drive Thru
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Six Month Supply Discount
• US Post Office
2334 South Blvd
704-523-8608
www.cannonpharmacies.com
All the latest news and photos are now on the web
www.htgo.org Visit today!
JUL/AUG 2015 13 14 JUL/AUG 2015
The Voice of the Greek Community
GOYA-HOPE/JOY News
Preschool By Preschool Staff
Whooo’s in
the News at
the Preschool?
The preschool hallways are always
quiet during the summer months without
the sounds of the children’s voices. July
and August is a time for us to reflect
on the previous year and to beginning
planning for the upcoming school year. If
you are interested in enrolling your child
or have any questions about our preschool
program, please contact the preschool at
704-333-4961 or [email protected].
You may also call the Co-Directors,
Cindy Balatsias at 704-502-3859 or
Maria Kleto at 704-564-5842.
For those of you who are not familiar
with Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Preschool, we are a religious-based halfday program. Our hours are from 9:15 am
to 1:15 pm. Since a preschool experience
is a child’s first step into the world beyond
the family, we strive to accept each child
as a unique individual. We are aware of
each child’s emotional and educational
needs and we will try to meet them with
love and support. Our goal is to provide
each child a challenging experience
with opportunities to build relationships
with other children and to enrich them
with a variety of Greek language and
Orthodox Christian-centered activities.
Our objective is to allow each child the
opportunity to master the appropriate
skills needed for school readiness.
At HTGOP, it is our goal to provide an
environment with optimal growth within a
developmentally appropriate framework.
We are committed to the fulfillment
of each child’s developmental needs
while respecting his/her individuality.
It is our job to create a positive learning
environment in which each child can
grow to his/her full potential.
Classes Available
Toddler Class (18 Months) – 2 Days
a Week
Two Year Old Class – 2 Days a Week
Three Year Old Class – 3 Days a Week
Four Year Old Class – 5 Days a Week
Toddler Class Overview
The goal of the toddler class is to
provide a safe and loving environment
for your child’s first school experience.
Emphasis is placed on following simple
directions and learning social skills
through play and interaction with others.
Toddlers will participate in simple art,
music activities and read stories daily.
They will have supervised interaction on
the playground. They will concentrate on
the following:
• Playing in a group environment
• Separating from parents and
entering into a constant
environment
• Participating in outside play
• Beginning hands-on art activities
• Experiencing simple songs and
finger play
•
•
Doing simple puzzles
Unconditional love and redirection are strongly emphasized
in this class.
Two Year Old Class Overview
Our two year old class is very flexible
and adapts to the changing skill level
and needs of the class. We provide an
inviting atmosphere that encourages fun
as well as discovery. Our main goals are
social interaction, a positive separation
from parents, listening skills and potty
training. They will concentrate on the
following:
• Following the daily routine
• Beginning to learn to share
• Participating in “circle” time
• Painting, pasting and coloring
• Beginning to recognize colors
and simple shapes in Greek and
English
• Following a one-step direction
• Assisting with the mastery of
“toilet training”
Three Year Old Class Overview
Our main goals in the three year old
class consists of making an easy transition
from home to school, developing good
listening skills, learning to follow simple
directions and independence. This class
provides a time for your children to
practice new-found independence as
well as introducing them to limits and
schedules. Gross and fine motor skills,
communication, listening, and self-help
are emphasized and encouraged.
• Introduction and recognition of
the Greek and English language
and alphabet
• Following simple instructions
• Sharing and playing with others
• Manipulating a paintbrush, cutting
with scissors and experimenting
with other art mediums
• Recognizing their first name in
English and the names of others
in their class
• Recognizing numbers 1 through
10 in Greek and English
• Knowing primary colors and basic
shapes in Greek and English
• M a s t e r i n g s i m p l e m a t h
manipulatives
• Being self-reliant with their
clothing
• Developing large motor skills
through games and activities on
the playground
Four Year Old Class Overview
Our goal in the four year old class
is to provide a Kindergarten readiness
program while encouraging creative freeplay. They are exposed to the alphabet
as well as early math skills; however,
the mastering of these is not our main
goal. Teachers will stress cooperative
play, listening skills, self-reliance and
self-control. We will provide a loving,
caring and stimulating environment
which will encourage the development of
happy, thoughtful, curious, self-confident
children ready to enter Kindergarten. We
will also concentrate on the following:
• Further development of fine motor
skills
• Knowing primary and secondary
colors
• Identifying and naming the letters
of the English alphabet
• D e m o n s t r a t i n g p h o n e t i c
awareness
• Printing own name correctly
• Mastering simple math skills
(patterning, sorting, and one-toone relationships, etc.)
• Participating in the whole language
experience
• Following complex instructions
and sitting and listening
• Working on their own for a limited
time as preparation for school
• D i s t i n g u i s h i n g d i ff e r e n c e s
through sight, hearing and texture
• Developing an awareness of
the world around them through
science
• Having good health habits and
manners
• Recognizing simple patterns and
relationships
• Acquiring knowledge of the
Orthodox faith
Vacation Bible School 2015
Vacation Bible School was held at Holy
Trinity from June 15-18th. It was open
to children ranging from kindergarten to
fifth grade. Over 100 children registered
and 50 GOYA volunteers assisted with
many activities throughout the week.
The theme this year was Parables,
which allowed the children to grow
closer to Christ and learn about their
Orthodox Christian faith, while having
some summer fun. The four parables
discussed were the Good Samaritan, the
Prodigal Son, the Ten Talents and the
Good Shepherd.
It was a week filled with daily worship,
Bible classes, arts and crafts, singing
and a grand finale performance for the
children’s families.
The dedication of Fr. Gregory, parents,
youth and organizers made it a huge
success. Thank you all for your support!
HTC Youth helping at the
Yiasou 5k Run on August 29
And Jesus said,
“Let the little Children come to me”
Matthew 19:14
Living the Orthodox Life:
Putting Christ first in our lives
through prayer, worship and
partaking in the Sacraments
thus building and growing
spiritually, His Kingdom on
earth.
The Voice of the Greek Community
JUL/AUG 2015 15 Philoptochos By Frances Troupes
Blessing of the Lap
Blankets
Fr. Gregory’s Farewell Celebration
Philoptochos ladies
presenting blankets to
Levine Cancer Center
Service:
As believers we like to fulfill
our commitment to serve
others within and outside our
Community. We do this by
sharing our time, talent and
treasures for the ministry and
the glory of the Lord.
704-591-4660 Cell
704-554-1814 Home
[email protected]
Jimmy Pappas assisting
with the preparation of
Diples for the Festival
•Compassionateheartsprovidingqualityserviceata
sensibleprice
•Specialistsinshippingandreceivinglovedones
•Traditionalfuneralarrangementsmadewiththecareand
certaintythattheserviceselectedproperlymemorializes
yourlovedone
•Pre-arrangementplanningand
transferofexistingpre-arrangements
Make the HeritageChoice
Charlotte/Ballantyne
16151 Lancaster Hwy.
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-714-1540
Indian Trail
4431 Old Monroe Road
Indian Trail, NC 28079
704-821-2960
Weddington/Matthews
3700 Forest Lawn Dr.
Matthews, NC 28104
704-846-3771
35 Years Experience * Free EsƟmates * Owners Mike and Maria Koulouris
All the latest news and photos
are now on the web
www.htgo.org
www.htgo.org